parallel track widths

[Capt. Brigg]

What is the recommended distance, center to center, on parallel straight and curved tracks? My cars seem fine at 2" on straight parallel track but curves will have hang over especially on 18" curves in the yard. Is there a NMRA standard? Thanks for any information or links. Capt. Brigg

[mlehman]

For HO 18" R, the NMRA standard calls for 2 3/16".

Details here: http://www.nmra.org/sites/default/files/standards/sandrp/pdf/s-8.pdf

[richhotrain]

I don't know about the NMRA standard, but my double mainline is 2" on center for straight track and 2 1/2" on curves. My curve radius is 30" and 32". No problem with 85' cars.

Rich

[cuyama]

mlehman

For HO 18" R, the NMRA standard calls for 2 3/16".

Note that is only for very short equipment (what the NMRA classifies as "Class II"). I'd personally go wider with 18" curves, more like 2½" (or even a skoche wider), since most folks run bigger equipment than "Class II", even on tight curves.

Byron

[mlehman]

cuyama

Note that is only for very short equipment (what the NMRA classifies as "Class II").

Byron,

I agree, some extra slack in curves that tight is a good idea. But the question was what was the NMRA standard? I figured the details were worth reading the whole enchilada.

[BroadwayLion]

LION pits majyck marker at an outside corner of an 85' car and runs it through the curve.  Him move the marker to the middle of the car to measure the inside curve.

If your lines cross your cars will crash.

 

ROAR